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Washington Wizards NBA Draft 2015 Reactions: Biggest Surprise, Biggest Steal, More

By Ben Mehic

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Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Were you surprised by the move Grunfeld made — acquiring Kelly Oubre in exchange for the 19th pick and future 2nds?

John: In a word….yes.

By all indications, it seemed like the Washington Wizards were leaning towards versatile/possible stretch 4’ Bobby Portis or combo guard Jerian Grant.

They both came in and had positive workouts and said the right things.

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Grunfeld did make a statement before the draft that they would try and draft “the best player available” and Oubre Jr. is definitely that.

I actually thought that since the Wizards made this move that it was all but certain that Paul Pierce would take his talents to the left coast, but I’m reading and hearing today that’s not the case.

Even though he has potential, he’s still a while away from becoming a regular contributor, which somewhat raises red flags for me because we have heard that same phrase mentioned for other high Wizards picks not named John Wall or Bradley Beal…ahem…Jan Vesely.

I didn’t pay the 2nd rounders thrown into the deal any mind because Ernie Grunfeld tends to not even bother with the second round picks (a.k.a. cash considerations) — instead pulling off pretty good job saving free agent signings for the Wizards.

David: I can honestly say that I was absolutely stunned by the Washington Wizards’ move to grab Kelly Oubre.

Like most Wizards fans, I approached the draft filled with apathy, silently resigned to the fact that we were just gonna grab Kevon Looney. Imagine my shock, then, when Big Ern made a move with some real ambition, going up to grab the young kid with huge upside who they never thought they could get.

Not for a single moment in the run-up to the draft did I ever consider the idea that the Wizards would get Kelly Oubre. He likely won’t play a lot his rookie year – even less if Paul Pierce comes back – but this shows a commitment to the small ball ethic that Randy Wittman has been publicly preaching, and that few of us ever really truly believed that the organization would buy into.

That, in and of itself, is a surprise. The Wizards are going to play some fun basketball in the years to come.

Ben: I was shocked, to be honest.

I refreshed my Twitter feed, because it’s impossible to watch the NBA Draft without spoiling it for yourself nowadays, and saw that Woj tweeted Washington was acquiring Oubre from the Hawks.

I admittedly didn’t know anything about Kelly Oubre prior to Thursday night. I focused on learning about the players projected to go to D.C. I was convinced Looney was going to be the pick, so it was a pleasant surprise.

Oubre is someone who has a great work ethic and outstanding physical tools. I’m super excited to see him, John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter run together.

Next: Would You Have Made The Oubre Deal?

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